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As I have already stated, the infectious
diseases picture in Friern Barnet for 1960 makes
very pleasant reading. Undoubtedly, the amenities
and excellent planning which are a feature of
Friern Barnet must be held to have had a considerable
affect on this excellent result. The fact that
more than 90% of our children have been vaccinated
or immunised, either against poliomyelitis or by
the triple antigen (diphtheria, pertussis and
tetanus) must also have had its effect. This,
as I have pointed out on numerous occasions, is
an excellent example of the value of co-operation
between the Urban District of Friern Barnet, (the
local authority) and the Middlesex County Council,
(the local health authority). The Middlesex
County Council is responsible for vaccination and
immunisation, as an integral part of the personal
health services. On the other hand, the Urban
District has made a particularly valuable contribution
by helping the County Council to display posters,
distribute literature, etc. As the Council will
be aware, the articles which I contribute to the
local press are written as Medical Officer of Health,
since I have always felt that my approach as Medical
Officer of Health should be much more potent than
any approach I can make as Area Medical Officer.
In addition - and here I believe we are in many
ways unique - a letter is addressed to every parent
at least once each year, on the value of immunisation
and vaccination, so that no parent can remain
unaware of the advantages which vaccination and
immunisation confer upon their children. We
consider this personal approach particularly
valuable, and are of opinion that, very largely by
this means, we can claim the results achieved.
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